Quick Answer: South Australia and Tasmania are consistently the most accessible states for Early Childhood Teachers seeking nomination in 2025–26, with both offering 190 and 491 pathways and relatively lower competition than NSW or Victoria. Nationally, ECT invitation scores on the Subclass 189 have run at 80–90 points in recent rounds; with a 5-point state nomination boost via the Subclass 190, most successful applicants hold 85 points before lodging. The minimum threshold is 65 points, but the realistic floor is higher — ECTs with fewer than 80 points should consider the Subclass 491 as their primary pathway.
VJ Consulting and Education has guided Early Childhood Teachers through Australian skilled migration across multiple states, and the landscape has shifted considerably since ACECQA took over skills assessments in late 2024.
Cross-State Comparison: Early Childhood Teachers (ANZSCO 241111)
| State | On 190 List | On 491 List | Nomination Accessibility | Key Consideration |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| New South Wales | Yes | Check official latest | High volume but high competition | Large teacher quota; check current cut-off before applying |
| Victoria | Yes | Check official latest | Moderate-to-high competition | Demand is real but competition is intense; monitor ROI closely |
| Queensland | Yes | Yes | Good, especially for regional | 491 regional pathway particularly strong for ECTs |
| South Australia | Yes | Yes | Strong — most accessible | ECT demand robust; both channels usually open |
| Tasmania | Yes | Yes | Strong — smaller pool | Total 2025–26 quota: 190: 1,200 / 491: 650 (all occupations); ECT listed as shortage |
| WA / ACT / NT | Check official latest | Check official latest | Check official latest | Check each state/territory's latest skilled occupation list before applying |
(Sources: State skilled occupation lists, immigration agency summaries, as of 2025–26. Policy changes frequently — verify before applying.)
Which Australian state is easiest for Early Childhood Teachers to migrate to?
South Australia and Tasmania offer Early Childhood Teachers the clearest pathway to state nomination in 2025–26. Both states list ECTs on their 190 and 491 skilled occupation lists, treat the occupation as a genuine shortage, and operate with smaller applicant pools than the eastern seaboard giants.
NSW nominates the largest raw number of teachers but attracts by far the most competition — a higher absolute quota does not translate into easier access. Victoria is similar: demand from ECTs is real, and the nomination exists, but the state's Return of Interest (ROI) process means approval is not guaranteed and waiting times can stretch.
Queensland sits in the middle. Its 491 pathway for regional areas is notably friendly to ECTs, and applicants willing to commit to regional Queensland report relatively smoother invitation experiences.
The critical insight: easiest state ≠ largest quota. For ECTs, smaller allocation + declared shortage (SA, Tasmania) usually beats large quota + fierce competition (NSW, VIC) in practice.
"Just go for the 491 mate. Whatever you have in your hands now is the safest. No one can guarantee you will ever get an invite for either 189/190. I am a priority occupation — Early Childhood Teacher — and I also go for 491 when everyone rejects it." — an ECT applicant we worked with, 2025
→ Further reading: State Nomination 190/491 Requirements & Points
Early Childhood Teachers state nomination requirements and points in NSW?
NSW nominates more teachers than any other state, and Early Childhood Teachers appear on its 190 list — but the competition makes NSW one of the harder states despite the volume. Among the applicants VJCE has assisted, NSW nominations for Early Childhood Teachers tend to be highly competitive, and meeting only the minimum threshold rarely proves sufficient in practice.
NSW's selection process for teacher nominations is demand-driven and operates against a current-period standard that shifts each program year. The state does not publish a fixed points cut-off; instead, it assesses Expression of Interest (EOI) pools and invites competitively. Based on applicant experiences we have tracked, ECTs targeting NSW 190 nomination typically need to be holding 85+ points to be competitive in the current environment.
| Metric | NSW Detail |
|---|---|
| 190 List | Yes (ECT 241111 included) |
| 491 List | Check NSW's latest skilled occupation list before applying |
| Typical competitive points (190) | 85+ (based on recent applicant rounds; not a published floor) |
| Residence/work requirement | Check current NSW nomination requirements |
| Key risk | High EOI volume; no guaranteed invitation even at 85 points |
Tip: If your points sit below 85 and NSW is your target state, consider lodging an EOI and simultaneously assessing your eligibility for Subclass 491 in regional NSW or another state. Waiting exclusively on NSW 190 at 80 points carries real invitation risk.
(As of 2025–26, source: NSW skilled nomination, immigration agency summaries. Check NSW's official skilled nomination website for the current period's standards.)
→ Further reading: State Nomination 190/491 Requirements & Points
Early Childhood Teachers state nomination in Victoria, South Australia and Queensland?
These three states represent the full range of ECT nomination difficulty — from Victoria's competitive ROI system to South Australia's more accessible dual pathway.
Victoria
Victoria lists Early Childhood Teachers on its 190 skilled occupation list. The nomination volume is meaningful, but the state uses a Return of Interest (ROI) model where applicants register interest and Victoria selects whom to invite to apply. ECTs report that 85 points is the practical threshold to be considered seriously, though some rounds have invited at 80.
| Metric | VIC Detail |
|---|---|
| 190 List | Yes |
| 491 List | Check Victoria's latest skilled occupation list before applying |
| Typical competitive points | 85 (based on applicant reports; not a published floor) |
| Nomination mechanism | ROI — Victoria selects; not a direct application |
"Don't worry too much — with 85 points as an Early Childhood Teacher in VIC, you're in a strong position. Invitations can take some time, but being fully prepared with your skills assessment and EOI gives you the best chance." — an ECT we assisted with Victoria ROI preparation, 2025
South Australia
South Australia is the most straightforwardly accessible state for ECTs in 2025–26. Both the 190 and 491 channels are open, ECT demand is strong, and the state's nomination process is relatively transparent compared to the ROI model.
| Metric | SA Detail |
|---|---|
| 190 List | Yes |
| 491 List | Yes |
| Accessibility | Strong — both channels usually active |
| Residence/work requirement | Check SA's current skilled nomination requirements |
Queensland
Queensland nominates ECTs through both 190 and 491 channels, with the regional 491 pathway being particularly accessible. ECTs willing to commit to regional Queensland have reported consistently positive outcomes.
| Metric | QLD Detail |
|---|---|
| 190 List | Yes |
| 491 List | Yes |
| Strongest channel | Regional 491 |
| Residence/work requirement | Check Queensland's current official requirements |
(Sources: State skilled occupation lists 2025–26, immigration agency summaries. All specific current-period requirements must be verified against each state's official migration website.)
→ Further reading: State Nomination 190/491 Requirements & Points
Early Childhood Teachers nomination in Tasmania and other states?
Tasmania is one of the two most accessible states for ECT nomination and deserves serious consideration, particularly for applicants who are flexible about location.
Tasmania listed Early Childhood Teachers as a shortage occupation in its 2025–26 program. The state's total nomination quota for 2025–26 is 190: 1,200 places / 491: 650 places (across all occupations), which is modest in absolute terms but means less competition per place for in-demand occupations like ECT.
| Metric | Tasmania Detail |
|---|---|
| 190 List | Yes |
| 491 List | Yes |
| 2025–26 total quota | 190: 1,200 / 491: 650 (all occupations) |
| ECT status | Listed as shortage — generally accessible |
| Residence requirement | Nominated applicants must live and work in Tasmania |
| Pathways | Offshore applicants + onshore study/work pathway both available |
The Tasmania onshore pathway — for applicants who have studied or worked in the state — is particularly favourable. Specific point cut-offs and local graduate conditions are not published at a fixed level; check Tasmania's current skilled migration requirements before applying.
For other states and territories (WA, ACT, NT): Check each jurisdiction's latest skilled occupation list before applying. These are not covered in the current State Policy Facts input and we will not estimate their requirements.
Tip: Tasmania's relatively smaller competition pool makes it worth considering even if you have no current connection to the state — the willingness to relocate is the main requirement, and the ECT shortage there is genuine.
(As of 2025–26, source: Tasmania skilled nomination, visaenvoy summary. Verify current-period specifics on the official Tasmanian migration website.)
→ Further reading: 189 vs 190 vs 491 Visa Cost Comparison
How does the ACECQA skills assessment for Early Childhood Teachers work?
Since 7 December 2024, ACECQA (Australian Children's Education and Care Quality Authority) is the sole assessing body for Early Childhood Teachers under ANZSCO 241111 — replacing AITSL for migration purposes. This is not a minor administrative change; ACECQA applies a different framework and its own documentary standards. VJ Consulting agents generally advise ECT applicants to begin gathering their ACECQA documentation well in advance, as incomplete qualification evidence is one of the most common causes of delays we see in the assessment process.
Assessment Requirements
| Requirement | Detail |
|---|---|
| Assessing body | ACECQA (from 7 December 2024) |
| Fee | Approximately AUD $1,100 |
| Processing time | Approximately 80 days |
| Minimum qualification | Bachelor-level (AQF 7) initial teacher education |
| Early childhood component | At least 1 year full-time early childhood teacher training embedded in the qualification |
| Total higher education | 4 years of higher education |
| Outcome | Positive/Negative assessment; positive = eligible for skilled migration as ECT |
Documents typically required
A full document checklist is occupation-specific and ACECQA publishes its own requirements. Generally expect: certified copies of academic transcripts, degree certificates, evidence of professional registration (if applicable), and identity documents. For offshore applicants, attestation requirements apply — the specific standard must be confirmed directly with ACECQA.
"I completed my Graduate Diploma in Early Childhood Education in Australia in 2025, and I'm now living offshore. I want to apply for a skills assessment with ACECQA... I've checked their website but still feel a bit unsure about what exactly to submit." — an offshore ECT applicant we are currently assisting, 2025
Tip: The transition from AITSL to ACECQA means any AITSL assessment result issued before 7 December 2024 needs to be reviewed for its current validity in a new visa application. Contact ACECQA directly if your existing assessment was AITSL-issued.
(As of December 2024, source: ACECQA / AITSL migration transition announcement.)
→ Further reading: Skills Assessment & Qualification Documents Guide
How many points does Early Childhood Teachers need? Real invitation cut-offs
The minimum points score to lodge an EOI as an Early Childhood Teacher is 65 points — but that number is effectively irrelevant for competitive outcome. ECTs who hold 65 points and wait for a 189 invitation are likely to wait indefinitely.
Realistic Points Picture (2025)
| Pathway | Realistic Minimum to Be Invited | Confirmed Recent Range |
|---|---|---|
| Subclass 189 (no nomination) | ~80 points | 80–90 points in 2025 rounds |
| Subclass 190 (+5 state points) | ~80 points post-nomination | Most successful at 85 points |
| Subclass 491 (+15 state points) | ~75 points post-nomination | 75–80 points viable in regional states |
"Occupations like early childhood teachers do get invited at much lower points compared to mainstream occupations like IT, Accounting and Engineering. I think even at 75 points you may have a chance. Don't just look at the 189/190 — also look into the 491 which gives you an additional 15 state points instead of the additional 5 points." — an ECT applicant we advised on EOI strategy, 2025
The 189 round data we track confirms: 80–90 points for ECTs across 2025 invitation rounds. The occupation is on the Medium and Long-term Strategic Skills List (MLTSSL), which is the strongest possible shortage classification and explains why invitation scores run lower than IT or accounting.
"Early Childhood Teachers: 80–90 points" — cited in a points summary email circulated among applicants in our network, 2025
Tip: Each SkillSelect round resets. Points cut-offs fluctuate based on how many ECTs submitted EOIs in the preceding period, not on a fixed government schedule. Monitor SkillSelect invitation data monthly.
(Sources: SkillSelect invitation data, immigration agency tracking, 2025. ⚠️ Each round varies — verify current cut-offs before relying on these figures.)
→ Further reading: State Nomination 190/491 Requirements & Points
Why did ECT assessment move from AITSL to ACECQA in late 2024?
The shift from AITSL to ACECQA on 7 December 2024 reflects a policy decision to align ECT migration assessment with the regulatory body that already governs early childhood education quality nationally.
AITSL (Australian Institute for Teaching and School Leadership) assesses teachers for primary and secondary school contexts. Its framework is designed around school-based teaching standards. Early Childhood Teachers operate under a distinct regulatory regime — the National Quality Framework — administered by ACECQA. The previous arrangement created a mismatch: AITSL was assessing ECTs against school-teaching standards that do not fully capture the specialist early childhood qualification requirements.
ACECQA's assessment framework specifically requires:
- A qualification that meets Australian teacher education standards for early childhood
- Embedded ECT specialist training of at least 1 year full-time within the degree
- Alignment with the Early Years Learning Framework and National Quality Standard
This is a stricter and more occupation-specific gate. The practical consequence: qualifications that passed an AITSL assessment may not automatically satisfy ACECQA's early childhood specialisation criteria. If you hold an AITSL positive assessment issued before 7 December 2024, confirm its status with ACECQA before lodging a new visa application.
Tip: Indian primary teacher qualifications that passed AITSL previously face additional scrutiny under ACECQA — the early childhood specialisation requirement is the key gap. Indian qualifications may not include the required ECT-specific component.
"Indian qualifications will not qualify you as an early childhood teacher in Australia. Also, as you can imagine, a very high level of verbal and written English knowledge is required to become a teacher in Australia." — an applicant we advised on qualification assessment eligibility, 2025
(Source: ACECQA migration assessment transition, December 2024. Check ACECQA's official website for current transition arrangements.)
→ Further reading: Skills Assessment & Qualification Documents Guide
Why is the English requirement so high (IELTS 7/8) for ECT?
Early Childhood Teachers carry the highest English language bar of any teaching occupation in the Australian skilled migration system — and it is non-negotiable without a specific exemption. In VJ Consulting and Education's experience, the elevated English requirement catches many otherwise strong ECT candidates off guard, making early language preparation one of the most important steps in building a competitive profile.
The Requirement
| Component | Minimum Score |
|---|---|
| Reading | 7.0 |
| Writing | 7.0 |
| Listening | 8.0 |
| Speaking | 8.0 |
| Overall | Must meet each band; a high overall does not compensate |
This is not an immigration department requirement — it reflects ACECQA's assessment standard, which feeds into the skills assessment outcome. Failing to meet these band scores means a negative skills assessment regardless of qualifications.
Why so high?
Early Childhood Teachers work with children aged 0–5 in communication-intensive environments. The linguistic precision required to support early language development, communicate with families from diverse backgrounds, and produce regulated documentation (learning frameworks, assessments, incident reports) is genuinely high. Australian regulators treat ECT as a profession where substandard English creates direct risk for children.
The 8.0 in Listening and Speaking is the part that catches most internationally-trained applicants. It is in the range that native speakers from non-English-medium environments sometimes struggle to achieve — a score of 8.0 is in the top ~25% of IELTS test-takers globally.
The exemption
Applicants who completed at least 4 years of higher education conducted entirely in English in Australia, the UK, USA, Canada, New Zealand, or Ireland are exempt from the test requirement. This exemption is narrow — it requires the full degree program, not just a period of study.
Tip: If your IELTS Listening or Speaking is sitting at 7.5, do not lodge an ACECQA application and hope for a waiver. Resit the test. A failed assessment costs you the fee and delays your timeline.
(Source: ACECQA skills assessment requirements, as of 2025–26.)
→ Further reading: Australia Migration English Requirements (IELTS/PTE)
ECT vs childcare worker — which one qualifies for skilled migration?
Early Childhood Teacher (ANZSCO 241111) and childcare worker are fundamentally different occupations in the Australian migration system — only the former qualifies for skilled independent migration under the current framework.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Factor | Early Childhood Teacher (241111) | Childcare Worker |
|---|---|---|
| ANZSCO code | 241111 | Various (e.g. 421111 Child Carers) |
| Migration list | MLTSSL — eligible for 189/190/491/186 | Not on MLTSSL for independent skilled migration |
| Assessing body | ACECQA (from Dec 2024) | Different pathway; not ACECQA for migration |
| Minimum qualification | Bachelor (AQF 7) with 1-year ECT specialisation | Certificate III or Diploma level typically |
| English requirement | IELTS 7.0 R/W, 8.0 L/S | Lower threshold (if pathway exists) |
| Skills assessment cost | ~AUD $1,100 | Different body/fee |
| 189 visa eligibility | Yes | Generally not via independent points pathway |
The confusion is understandable — in everyday Australian usage, people call both roles "working in childcare." But the regulatory and migration distinction is absolute. A Diploma of Early Childhood Education and Care (AQF 5) qualifies someone to work in a childcare centre but does not satisfy ACECQA's requirements for a skilled migration assessment as an Early Childhood Teacher.
The pathway for a childcare worker who wants to migrate as an ECT is to upgrade their qualification to a Bachelor level with the required ECT specialisation — this is achievable in Australia on a student visa or through RPL, but it takes time and must be planned carefully.
Tip: If a prospective client or family member is asking whether their Diploma qualifies them for ECT migration, the answer is no. They need a Bachelor-equivalent degree with embedded early childhood teacher education. Employer sponsorship via Subclass 482 may be an alternative if they can find an employer willing to sponsor under a different ANZSCO code — seek registered migration advice before pursuing this.
"Hey everyone, I wanted to know how difficult it is to get a sponsor for the 482 visa in South Australia as an early childhood teacher. My mom has 10 years of experience in the field and wants to apply if possible. She got her educational qualifications in India..." — a family member of an applicant we assessed, 2025
For this type of case — offshore, Indian qualifications, childcare experience — the ACECQA ECT pathway is very unlikely to succeed without a qualifying Australian degree. The 482 employer-sponsored route is worth investigating, but the English requirements remain high regardless.
→ Further reading: Skills Assessment & Qualification Documents Guide
Ready to assess your ECT migration options?
Early Childhood Teacher is one of Australia's most genuine shortage occupations — MLTSSL listed, with multiple state nomination pathways and invitation scores that are meaningfully lower than engineering or IT. But the qualification bar (Bachelor + 1-year ECT specialisation), the English requirement (8.0 Listening/Speaking), and the ACECQA transition mean the details matter enormously.
Getting the pathway wrong — applying with a Diploma, submitting an AITSL assessment post-transition, or targeting NSW at 80 points when SA at 80 would succeed — costs months and thousands of dollars.
VJ Consulting is a MARA-registered immigration consultancy in Melbourne. We assess ECT cases from qualification evaluation through to state nomination and visa lodgement.
Book a consultation — bring your qualifications, your IELTS scores, and your points estimate. We will tell you which state, which subclass, and whether your ACECQA application is ready to submit.
